Submit a PhotoJimmy Harold Hartsfield passed away peacefully on December 20th, 2025 surrounded by family in Gilbert, AZ due to complications from Lewy Body Dementia.
Jim was born in Hope, Arkansas September 8th,1944 to Florine Parris Hartsfield and George Harold Hartsfield. He was an only child after tragically losing his father to a train accident when he was three. His mother Florine “Toe” later earned a teaching certificate and the two eventually left Arkansas to live in Arizona, where Jim would spend for the rest of his life. He graduated from Casa Grande High School and attended Arizona State University, earning an education degree in 1968 that would lead him to a teaching position in Yuma, Arizona. There, he would discover the two great loves of his life, his wife of 55 years and the fire service.
Jim joined the Rural/Metro volunteer fire department while teaching at Crane Middle School. He met his wife Louella Suzanne (Suzi) Vollendorf who was an elementary school teacher. The two married on June 13, 1970. They had two children and eventually moved to Mesa, AZ when Jim’s firefighting experience transitioned him into the role of Director of Training for Rural/Metro. He had a long and decorated career as a fireman all across the Valley of the Sun until retiring as a Captain in 2006.
Jim was a life-long public servant whose dedicated service to his community and his fellow firefighters became a central part of his personality and his core Christian beliefs. He was a beloved husband, father, neighbor, and loyal friend to all that knew him. He will be dearly missed and joyfully remembered.
He is survived by his wife Suzi Hartsfield and his son Ryan Hartsfield, his wife Annette and his daughter Kim Wicoff and her Husband Michael plus four grandchildren Madison Wicoff (17), Brayden Wicoff (13), Billy Hartsfield (13) and Neil Hartsfield (10). Jim was preceded in death by his Father in 1948 and his mother in 2012.
Services will be held at Gilbert Memorial Park, Gilbert AZ. January 8th 2026 with the Visitation starting at 11:00am and the Service at Noon.
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David and I will miss Jimmy!!! I will lovingly remember all the times the Hartsfield cousins got together and played as children!!! And then as young adults, we had so many good times at the Hartsfield reunions!!! You will be missed, Jimmy!!! But I’m rejoicing that you have been reunited with Uncle Harold and Aunt Florine!!! Hugs and Prayers for Suzi, Kim, Ryan, and the kids!!!
Suzi, my heart goes out to you and your family at this very difficult time. I so wish I had known Jim. He had a marvelous career and most certainly was a wonderful man. 55 years of marriage is a blessing and I know your faith will strengthen you. You are in my prayers.
Jim was one of my mentors when I began my Fire Service career. Those he trained will continue his service to our communities. Our prayers are with Susie and their families.
I wish I could share these words with the Hartsfield family in person. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Hartsfield, Ryan, Annette, and Kim. Ryan and his parents were one of the first families to welcome me into their home when my family moved to Arizona in the 1980’s. I always enjoyed going over to the Hartsfield’s house to enjoy pool time, cookouts, parties, sleep overs, and being a normal/energetic teenager. Had I known then, what I know now, I’d apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Harstfied in person for the excessive loud music blaring from Ryan’s room (God knows what hour of the day), my inability to carry a tune on Ryan’s drums, probably being too loud during sleepovers, and most-likely raiding their refrigerator for food and beverages at all hours during the day while visiting.
I’ll always remember and be thankful of the generosity and love that Mr. and Mrs. Hartsfield gave us kids.
Jim was a cuz,i am from Hope,Ar his grandmother was my dad sister.
So sorry to hear about Jim,praying for the family
To The Family,
Please Accept My Heartfelt Condolences. Truly the loss of a precious loved one is most difficult. Please find comfort in the promise our most loving Heavenly Father Jehovah God gives us in Revelation 21:4″And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more; neither will mourning; nor outcry; nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Yes, We can look forward to a time soon to come when all suffering including death will be done away with forever. For more encouraging information from the bible. Please visit jw.org and view the video “What is the Condition of the Dead?”
I enjoyed Jim’s company. I will miss his humor and kindness. I wish peace and healing for Kim, Suzi and Ryan.
What a wonderful faith Jim had! He was an inspiration for so many people.